Category Archives: Maternity

This lady has a very special place in my heart. She was my son’s first teacher (and first crush too!). The joy in their classroom was evident – there was lots of laughter and dancin’ and groovin’ to the music, along with plenty of hugs and kisses. The joy was a reflection of her, and you could see it in her smile each morning as she greeted the students. She played a huge part in making his first year at a new school memorable and it comforted me to know he was well taken care of in her hands. For this I am forever thankful…and I cannot begin to tell or show her just how much she has been a blessing to me.

Besides being a rockstar teacher, she is also one beautiful mama-to-be! Her pregnancy glow was absolutely radiant!

No, I’m not planning to climb Mount Everest (that’s not on my list of things to do…at least, not right now), but I thought this would be the perfect analogy to describe the challenges I am facing right now. The past couple of years I have been struggling to maintain a balanced life…juggling my spiritual walk, my family and friends, my exercise routine, and my photography business. Juggling is probably the best word for it, as I have oftentimes dropped the ball on one area or another.

I have asked myself over and over the same question, “How do people do it???” How do they seem to balance their family, work, servanthood, exercise routine and kids’ activities? And at the same time, they seem to take good care of themselves and teach important life lessons to their children. What is their secret and how to I get my hands on it?? For me, what I discovered is that there is no way to DO IT ALL. It is just physically impossible. But, I have to admit…I’ve tried. I’ve tried many a time and I have failed. I have stretched myself so thin sometimes that on the rare occasion that I do tackle everything on my to-do list, it has come by taking short-cuts (skipping exercise, eating junk, not finishing the task completely) or at a high price (being cranky with my kids, neglecting time with my hubby, losing sleep or aging myself in the process…thankfully, no gray hairs yet!)

Please know I am not complaining…I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering my passion in photography, but it has definitely taken it’s toll on me. And rather than burn myself out on what I love to do, I am (attempting to) learn to simplify and to set boundaries. Though at this moment I am far from my goal, I’m taking steps in that direction. I know what you’re thinking…what is she talking about? And why is she telling me this?? Well, I’m hoping that once I put my goals out there, my body and mind will follow suit! And I am also secretly hoping my loving friends will hold me accountable!

For my spritual walk: I want to start my day each morning with a quiet time, digging deep into His Word, understanding what His good and perfect will is and how do I fulfill His purpose for my life.

With respect to my family, I am standing firm to putting them first and making them my top priority. This looks like more quality time spent with them, having fun and enjoying them. This is my only chance to experience childhood again through their eyes and I don’t want to miss a second of it!

In regards to my photography business…I’m trying to take on fewer clients each month so I can give them more of my attention. I’m hoping to get my client site set up soon to make the ordering process easier and quicker for you. Not only that, it will have your personal session information as well as an online catalog of my products. One other thing to note…I don’t plan to schedule any Fall family sessions in Oct, Nov, Dec 2010 to give me time with my family, to recharge physically and mentally and to refresh my photography skills.

And last, but not least, for me…I hope to get our family eating better (I’m totally hooked on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution!), exercising regularly, sleeping more, finding downtime for myself, and rather than racing to the next activity, event, deadline or stage in life…enjoying myself right where I’m at. Though I may not be reaching the peak of Mount Everest today (or even tomorrow, for that matter!), I am working my way up there one step at a time!

And the real reason for this post…

I love this couple! I always enjoy meeting friends of my friends…it is almost like we already know each other before we’ve even met! They were super adorable to work with and kept me laughing the whole time. I had a hard time picking which images to post on the blog…my most favorite being the first one above. It was almost like a stolen moment between the two them. Those are the bestest ever.

This lovely couple was referred to me by my wonderful, caring friend, Kari, who truly has a heart of gold. These two women have known each other since childhood. I presumed that any good friend of Kari would be just as kind and generous as her…and I was right!

It was obvious to me how much this couple loved one another by the way that they spoke to each other and showed their affection in such a sweet, gentle way. It touched my heart and I am so excited for these two as they embark the journey of parenthood together. Makes me reminscient of those early years of marriage and our longing to start a family and the incredible love we experienced when my first son was born. There is great joy and love that comes with each child, but there is something special about the first pregnancy – the anticipation, the excitement, not knowing what to expect, the longing to meet this baby you’ve carried for 9 months.

Thank you, E , for allowing me to capture this memorable time in your lives. I cannot wait to meet your precious one.